Romani
noun /ˈrəʊməni/, /ˈrɒməni/
/ˈrəʊməni/, /ˈrɑːməni/
(also Romany)
(plural Romanies)
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- [countable] a member of a race of people, originally from Asia, who traditionally travel around and live in caravans see also Roma, Gypsy
Culture GypsiesGypsiesGypsies are a people found in many countries. The name Gypsy comes from the word ‘ Egyptian ’ because Gypsies were once thought to have come from Egypt. Some people now believe that they originally came from India. In the US Gypsies are called Roma, and in Britain they are known as Romanies or travellers. The name travellers is more often used for Irish travellers, a group in Britain who, like Gypsies, do not live in settled communities but travel about from place to place living in caravans. The traditional language of the Gypsies is Romani, and new words are made up from Romani elements rather than borrowed from English.Roma or Romanies, like many other minority groups, feel very proud of their identity. In Britain, they are sometimes treated with fear and suspicion by the rest of the population and are often forced to move on from places where they stop.Gypsies usually make money by selling new and second-hand goods. Some collect and sell scrap metal, while others do farm work. A few make a living from entertainment and singing. In the past the women were known for selling clothes pegs, ‘lucky’ white heather (= a wild plant) or bunches of flowers. Many meet each year at the Appleby Horse Fair in Cumbria.Americans have little contact with Gypsies and think of the Roma as exciting, mysterious people who wear bright clothes and gold jewellery and have unusual powers.
- [uncountable] the language of Romani peopleTopics Languagec2
Word Originearly 19th cent.: from Romany Romani, feminine and plural of the adjective Romano, from Rom ‘man, husband’.